| New Model Forms Released: Health Insurance Exchange Notices and Revised COBRA Election Notice
Employers and group health plan administrators will want to download new model notices released by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to comply with changes as a result of Health Care Reform. New Model Exchange Notices — Distribute to Employees No Later Than October 1, 2013
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| Employers are required to provide the written notice to each current employee not later than October 1, 2013, and to each new employee at the time of hiring beginning October 1, 2013 (a notice will generally be considered to be provided ‘at the time of hiring’ if it is furnished within 14 days of an employee’s start date).
Employers must provide the notice automatically and free of charge to each employee, regardless of plan enrollment status or of part-time or full-time status. The notice may be distributed by first-class mail, or electronically if certain requirements are met. Employers do not need to provide a separate notice to dependents or other individuals who are or may become eligible for coverage under the plan but who are not employees. Updated Model COBRA Election Notice COBRA generally requires plan administrators to provide eligible individuals (called ‘qualified beneficiaries’) an election notice within 14 days after receiving notice of a qualifying event. The updated model notice includes additional information for qualified beneficiaries who may want to consider and compare health coverage alternatives to COBRA that will be available through the Health Insurance Exchanges (Marketplaces), which are expected to begin operating in 2014. Check out our Group Health Plan Notices Calendar for information on other notice requirements and to download additional model notices. |
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